WSLS conducts analog signal test for viewers

Up on Poor Mountain the views are incredible. Today, we were above the clouds.

This perch is for more than just the views. In fact, it makes sure you can view your television.

This is home to the WSLS transmitter. You could call it an oversized antennae blasting out our signal to homes across Southwest and Central Virginia.

Inside the transmitter, it’s row after row of equipment, all if used to currently send out two signals. One set of cabinets houses the old analog transmitter, what we have used for decades to get a picture to you. The other set of cabinets houses the new digital transmitter, what we will use to get an even better, clearer picture to you in the future.

Right now both of those transmitters are working and on line. But that will change in February when we are forced to shut down the analog transmitter.

We’re on your side and we are going to help you test to make sure all of your televisions are ready for the digital conversion. Next Tuesday during our 6pm newscast, we’re going to send out a graphic. If you see that on your television, it means you are still getting the old analog signal and you’re not ready for the conversion.

If you see our programming during the test, that means you’ll be fine, your televisions are ready for the digital conversion.